United Fresh honors 2021 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Award Winners During PMA Foodservice in July
United Fresh will celebrate nine of the country’s most innovative chefs and foodservice professionals representing an array of culinary styles and backgrounds this July during the PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo in Monterey, Calif.
The presentation is part of the United Fresh Produce Excellence in Foodservice Award Program, sponsored by FreshEdge, according to a news release.
The nine winners, along with an executive from their company, will participate in PMA’s Foodservice Conference & Expo, July 21-22. They will be presented with their awards as part of the event’s programming, according to the release.
The program honors chefs and their companies for their creativity in highlighting fresh produce on their menus, introducing diners to new flavors, and presenting creative ways to enjoy fresh produce, according to the release.
“It’s always a privilege for us to recognize culinary stars who are creating produce-centric menus that thrill customers and lead to a renewed interest and excitement for fresh produce,” Tom Stenzel, president and CEO of United Fresh, said in the release.
“With our associations soon to be joining forces, it’s a great next step to begin incorporating our programs, driving member value to our broader communities. We are excited to have the opportunity to celebrate these winning chefs and foodservice operators among their peers at the PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo.”
The 2021 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Award winners:
- Business in Industry: Stephen Palm, director of culinary, Lifeworks Restaurant Group, Beaverton, Ore.;
- Casual & Family Dining Restaurants: Sachia Tinsley, chef/owner, Peyrassol Café at Southport, Renton, Wash.;
- Colleges & Universities: Darren Lewis, executive chef, dining services, Quest Food Management Services at University of Indianapolis;
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Kyle Patrick Hash, executive chef, 28 North Gastropub, Melbourne, Fla.;
- Hospitals & Healthcare: Samantha Moore, head chef, Goshen Health, Goshen, Ind.;
- Hotels & Resorts: Kristin Butterworth, executive chef of restaurants, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa, Farmington, Pa.;
- K-12 School Foodservice: Lauren Couchois, culinary specialist, Greenville County School District, Greenville, S.C.;
- Quick Service Restaurants: Matt Colgan, culinary director, MIXT, San Francisco, Calif.; and
- Supermarkets & Retail Operators: Sarah Griswold, prepared foods manager, Green Zebra Grocery, Portland, Ore.
The winners were selected from nominations submitted by produce companies and foodservice operations. United Fresh, according to the release, coordinated a review of each nominee’s incorporation of fresh produce into menu development, use of food safety protocols for proper produce storage and handling, leadership in produce-related community service and special events, and recognition by their company and industry peers.
“We are proud to recognize these nine winners for the important role in showcasing our industry and introducing their customers to a variety of fruit and vegetable concepts,” Steve Grinstead, CEO of FreshEdge, said in the release. “We look forward to celebrating these winners and elevating the program itself during the industry’s premier foodservice event.”
For more information about the Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program, visit www.unitedfresh.org or contact Miriam Wolk, vice president of member services, at 202-303-3410 or mwolk@unitedfresh.org. To celebrate these chefs in Monterey, visit www.pma.com/events/foodservice.
